sports wrap up april 22 23

Picture Credit: X

Saurav Ghoshal announced his retirement from competitive squash. Jyothi Surekha Vennam finished second in the women’s compound qualification round at the 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai. 

Read below to learn more about the latest happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours. 

Squash

Saurav Ghoshal retires from professional squash; hopes to play for India in future

One of India’s most successful squash players, Saurav Ghoshal announced his retirement from competitive squash. Ghoshal took to Instagram to announce the decision. The 37-year-old is a 10-time PSA Tour title winner and a 13-time National men’s singles champion. He wrote on Instagram, “As I travelled across the world, playing on some of the biggest stages our wonderful sport offered, I thought it would never come to an end. But, there’s always an end point. I am overwhelmed with emotions as I write this message. This sport has been my passion, my livelihood, and my identity for so many years. So, with a heart filled with pride and a tinge of sadness, I announce my retirement from the PSA.”

Archery

Jyothi Surekha Vennam finishes second in women’s compound qualification in World Cup Stage 1

Jyothi Surekha Vennam finishes second in the women’s compound qualification round at the 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai. The Asian Games gold medallist shot a score of 711 to finish behind Mexico’s Andrea Becerra who scored 713. On the other hand, the reigning world champion Aditi Swami finished eighth with a score of 704 and was followed by Parneet Kaur (703) and Avneet Kaur (696) in the 14th spot and 23rd spots, respectively. The Indian women’s team will start as the top seeds in the tournament. 

Tennis

Novak Djokovic wins Sportsman of the Year at Laureus World Sports Awards

24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic won the Sportsman of the Year Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024. He won the award for a record-equalling fifth time, with tennis legend Roger Federer. In the 2022 season, Djokovic captured three Grand Slam titles, which solidified his status as one of the greatest players in tennis history. On the other hand, American gymnast Simone Biles was honoured with the Comeback of the Year award. 

Yuki Bhambri clinches doubles title at BMW Open 2024 tennis

Yuki Bhambri along with his French partner Albano Olivetti won the doubles titles at the BMW Open 2024 tournament in Munich, Germany. Also known as the Bavarian International Tennis Championships, it was an ATP 250 event. The win was marked as Bhambri’s second title on the ATP Tour. The player is currently ranked 59th in the world and he won the title last year at the Mallorca Open. In the recent tournament, Bhambri-Olivetti defeated their counterparts, 7-6 (6), 7-6(5) in an hour and 51 minutes. 

Make the most of every opportunity I am given: Rafael Nadal 

Rafael Nadal said that he would play at the Laver Cup in Berlin in September which could be one of his last tournaments. Nadal said, “At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. “I am very happy to be playing Laver Cup in Berlin for Team Europe. I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions from London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time.”

Football

Inter fans place AC Milan-themed coffin in front of cathedral after Milan derby win

With just five games remaining in the 2023-24 Serie A season, Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan consolidated their top spot in the points table with a 2-1 away win against their city rivals AC Milan on Monday night. Inter clinched three points from their away clash against Milan on Monday and managed 87 points in 33 matches followed by the Rossoneri at the second spot with 69 points in 33 games. After the 2-1 victory for Inter, their supporters pulled off a strange way of celebrating the win. In a viral video on social media, Inter fans placed a coffin, which has AC Milan's colours, in front of a Milan cathedral. 

Real Madrid fans roar 'Jude Bellingham' after England star seals El Clasico win

England midfielder Jude Bellingham made the headlines during Real Madrid's win against Barcelona in La Liga 2023-24 on Sunday as the 20-year-old became the first Real player to score in his first two La Liga El Clasico's since Dutch legend Rudd van Nistelrooy in 2007. Bellingham scored a late winner in the stoppage time and the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu went berserk and raised roaring chants of his name. 

ISL Final to be played at top-ranked team’s home ground

The Indian Super League (ISL) announced that the finale of the 2023-24 season, which is scheduled on May 4, will be played at the home ground of the higher-ranked team in the league. Mohun Bagan defeated Mumbai City FC on April 15, to win the League shield as FC Goa found a third-podium finish. Hence, Kolkata, Mumbai and Goa are in contention to host the ISL Final, and once the venue is confirmed, tickets will also go live on sale. 

Major football results

Italy-Serie A

AC Milan 1-2 Inter

Argentina-Primera Nacional

Quilmes 2-2 Patronato de Parana

Brazil-Serie B

Vila Nova 2-0 Guarani

England-Championship 

Middlesbrough 3-4 Leeds